Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina) novel Chapter 59

Leave–2

“That.” I gesture vaguely at him, avoiding his gaze.

He lifts an eyebrow.

“Staring at me like that. Like you’re trying to figure me out or something.”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t look away. “Maybe I am.”

The weight of his gaze is unbearable, and I feel heat creeping up my neck. “Well, don’t.”

He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Why are you so worked up?”

I snap. “What the fuck?”

He shrugs. He infuriates me more than Zaid, which surprises me, considering how many times I’ve pictured myself stabbing him.

“Did you know?” I whisper, more vulnerable now.

Jake’s brow furrows. “Know what?”

I chuckle incredulously. “You know what I’m talking about.”

His eyes darken, and I see his nostrils flare slightly.

“Did you know she was my mother?”

He looks me up and down, dropping his arms from his chest to lean closer. “I already said

no.”

“And I don’t believe you,” I blurt.

He swallows thickly.

“Did you go after her? Knowing she was my mother?”

He presses his lips together. “I went to your house, looking for you.”

My heart hammers in my chest, breath escaping my lungs like I’m allergic to it.

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Leave–2

“Your mother was home instead.”

My mouth runs dry. “You didn’t think for one second how weird this would be for me?”

He frowns, and for a moment, I think he might explode. “Maybe just as weird as it is for me seeing you with Aiden.”

“I didn’t know he was your son.‘

Leave 2

1 look up at him, his dark eyes filled with something I can’t quite place. Regret, maybe.

“Then don’t get married to my mother,” I whisper.

The silence between us stretches, heavy and suffocating. Jake leans back, rubbing a hand

over his face.

“Leave Aiden,” he breathes.

Sourness pools in my stomach, and I shake my head. “That’s not even remotely the same

thing.”

He grips my chin, turning my gaze to him. “We can leave. We can move across the country. Hell, we can move countries.”

I look at him, my heart pounding. There’s a little voice in my head telling me to say yes. Telling me to drop everything that seems right, so that I can do what I want.

I cup the side of his face, the urge to kiss him burning through me. “I can’t.”

He pulls away from my touch. “Then the wedding is happening.”

He takes a sip of his water, and we eat our food in silence.